Minivans have been made to help you take your family where you need to go when you take a drive. These are some of the most versatile vehicles on the market and make it possible for you to have an excellent experience with the kids that will go along with you on the road. Two models that have been considered at the top of the minivan class are the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna. Both of these vehicles and offer you the ability to take your family where you want, but which one is right for you?
Powering the Ride
Every trim level of the Honda Odyssey makes use of a 3.5-liter V6 engine that offers you 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque for the drive. This engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission unless you choose the Touring or Elite trim which upgrades you to a ten-speed automatic. The Toyota Sienna also uses a 3.5-liter V6, however, this engine makes 296 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and you can enjoy the benefits of AWD when you want to take a drive and have confidence when foul weather appears.
Features for the Family
The Honda Odyssey brings you Magic Slide seats in the second row, a trim that allows you to have leather upholstery, and a built-in vacuum to help you clean up after your kids with ease. The Toyota Sienna gives you five USB charging ports with some in the third-row area, several 12v power outlets, rear sunshades, leather upholstery, along with several cubbies and cup holders that will help you keep this minivan clean. You’ll have to decide which package of family features are right for you in the minivan you want to drive.
Tech You’ll Use
The Honda Odyssey features an infotainment system with a large screen and the benefits of automatic climate controls. You’ll have a power liftgate if you choose the EX-L and above. This minivan does give you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the infotainment system and it has the Cabin Talk system to allow you to project your voice to the rear seats. The Toyota Sienna brings you a quick-responding infotainment system to handle the music and Bluetooth connection you want and you’ll be able to choose a rear-seat entertainment system for your rear passengers.
Safety Features
You expect to see a variety of excellent safety features offered in a minivan and these two give you what you’re looking for. The Odyssey brings you the Honda Sensing suite of driving aid which includes collision mitigation braking, lane keeping sensors, and adaptive cruise control. The Toyota Sienna brings you the Safety Sense-P kit that offers you lane departure warnings, dynamic radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alerts, and other items that make it easy for you to have the safety and security you desire when you take this minivan on the road.
Cargo Capacity
The Honda Odyssey is wide enough for 4’ x 8’ sheets of plywood to be carried in the rear when all the seats are removed from the cabin. You’ll have up to 144.9 cubic feet of cargo area with all seats removed and can haul up to 3,500 pounds behind this minivan when you want to. The Toyota Sienna offers you 150 cubic feet of space for carrying cargo and can tow as much as 3,500 pounds behind it as well. This means you have plenty of room in either of these two minivans to take everything you need to take with you.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna could come down to the safety features that are offered as standard or the convenience features included. In both cases, you’re going to find what you want with these two practical and useful vehicles that make it easy to enjoy driving a minivan when you’re ready to head out on the road for a great ride. Get behind the wheel and let one of these two minivans come home with you to be the minivan that you love to take on the road with your family.
Looking for something a little smaller for your family? Opt for the Honda Accord!
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